How to Remove Paint from Vinyl Flooring

Paint can make beautiful transformations to the entire look of a room. Even with the best precautions, it can still splatter and spill and end up on the floor. Quick removal is key to keep the paint because the longer it is allowed to dry, the more permanently it adheres to the surface. The first step is to determine if you have water-based or oil-based paint as each requires different removal techniques. This can easily be found by reading the label on the paint can. Once you’ve determined the type of paint, follow the instructions below to remove it.

You Will Need:

The Removal Process:

Start by wiping up as much of the spilled paint as possible. If the spill is large, contain it first by covering it with cat litter or shredded paper.

Next wipe the area with damp paper towels. Most of the wet paint will be easily removed from vinyl flooring with just water-moistened paper towels.

After most of the paint has been wiped up, mix mild soap with water in a bucket.

Moisten clean cloths with soap and water mixture and wipe off the remaining paint.

If there is still paint on the floor, wet a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it on the paint area. If the stain is persistent, it will be helpful to moisten the rag and lay it on top of the stained area for a couple of minutes before trying to remove.

You Will Need:

Razor blade or spoon

Mineral spirits or turpentine

Acetone nail polish remover

Soft cloths

Bucket

Water

Mild soap

The Removal Process:

Begin by carefully scraping away as much of the paint as possible from the surface using the spoon or razor. Only use the razor if the spoon will not remove it as the razor poses a large risk of cutting the flooring.

When a majority of the paint is removed, moisten a soft cloth with mineral spirits or turpentine and rub it over the affected area.

Repeat as necessary with a clean cloth each time.

If the paint still remains, apply a small amount of acetone nail polish remover to a clean cloth and gently wipe the area until the remaining paint is removed.

When all of the paint is removed, fill a bucket with warm water and mild soap.

Clean the entire area to remove any remaining product that may be left on the floor.

Murphy Oil Soap has been found effective in removing paint from vinyl floors as well. It is readily available at most department and home improvement stores. One site user reported having success with this on 5-year-old paint by letting it soak for 15 minutes.

When cleaning your floor, avoid using abrasive scrubbers and cleaners as they can damage the surface leaving a dull area.

For paint that won’t budge, try Armstrong New Beginning® Floor Stripper and Cleaner to remove the paint. Apply and scrub with a sponge to remove any remaining paint.

Goof Off is a cleaner that is available at most home improvement stores and is excellent at removing dried paint. However, it can strip the surface of the color and finish so be sure to test it on a small hidden area first.

If all else fails, apply a paint stripper to remove the paint. Check with your manufacturer or a professional to find a stripper that will remove the paint without damaging the flooring.

I’ve had far more success with the product called “Oops!” versus “Goof Off” in removing paint from floors. I’ve tried both- sometimes Goof Off just wouldn’t make the paint budge. Oops! worked with only minimal effort.

I’ve been a professional painter for 25 years and always recommend the least drastic first. If the paint is recent and light, buff with dry towel, then damp, then rubbing alcohol if needed. Or, my favorite product is Krud Kutter – available at Walmart, Home Depot and many other stores.

I work as a cleaner in a school. My job is to clean the arts and crafts department. The problem is that they have paint all over the floors. The floor covering is of a rough texture which is difficult to brush as any cotton or material sticks to the floor, could you tell me what I would use to remove the paint, as it’s a school I cannot use dangerous materials such as turpentine or white spirit.

Magic Eraser!! I always try it first ever since my three-year-old took a blue Sharpie to my wood chair, coffee table, and vinyl floor, and I got every bit of it up with water and a Magic Eraser. I’ve gotten long-dried spray paint, permanent marker, and a whole assortment of things 100% clean with just water, and it usually cleans off easier than harsh chemicals or dish soap.

Lynda,
Since the lacquer has dried, try the Removing Dried Paints method first. However, if the acetone does not work to dissolve the lacquer, try using the rubbing alcohol.
Source: Wikipedia – Lacquer thinner